********************************For my own prompt on With Real Toads to write of something real, with artifice, if possible influenced by Picasso. In this case, very influenced by Picasso’s WWII sculptures seen at the ongoing MOMA show.

Sinister words for what almost seems a child’s pretend creature–yet they do follow that horrible violent trajectory that war enforces in the mind. Perhaps war *is* a child’s pretend creature, the atavistic and vengeful, paranoid child in a tantrum rage, where anger rules every cell. Anyway, this piece makes the mind go several ways–chilling, to say the least.

Thanks for sharing these along with your photos from the Picasso show (would love to have seen that). Your poem accompanies these images well. Great prompt too–wish I could have found time to write to it.

Thanks so much, Mark. The show is up till Feb 7 (not saying you could get to NY, but just in case.) The NY Times has a couple of good reviews with a far wider selection of pics–beautiful cardboard and other pieces, more cubist– guitars etc. (You know, I am not really against Florida at all–just had a hard time at Marriott and conference.) k.